Professional NFL players are at a significant risk of suffering serious injuries that can develop into long-term disabilities. Injuries like broken bones, spinal cord damage, and concussions can drastically affect players’ health and prevent them from leading normal lives when they retire from playing.
If you have injuries and disabilities from playing professional football, BenGlassLaw wants to hear from you. Football is a dangerous sport, but that doesn’t mean players are without recourse when serious, life-altering injuries occur. BenGlassLaw can help former players file a claim to secure the monthly disability benefits they are entitled to under the league’s plan.
Our long-term disability lawyers in Virginia have decades of collective experience and a passion for serving justice. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation with an NFL players long-term disability lawyer in Virginia. We’ll help you get the benefits you deserve.
Common Long-Term Injuries From Professional Football
Professional football is one of the most dangerous sports and has an extremely high injury rate. Many injuries are caused by singular events, but a large portion of injuries are cumulative and add up over time. As the total number of teams and games played each season has increased, so too have player injuries.
Past discussions of football player injuries have focused on concussions and brain trauma from tackles, but there is a growing understanding of the impact of non-contact injuries to the extremities.
Common long-term injuries from football include:
- Concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
- Osteoarthritis and joint damage
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Torn tendons or ligaments
- Broken bones and fractures
- Chronic neck and back pain
- Cardiovascular problems
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NFL Disabled Players Compensation Fund
Due to collective bargaining agreements, the NFL has established a compensation fund for players who have become disabled as a result of football injuries. The NFL offers three categories of disability benefits, each with different eligibility requirements and payment terms.
Total & Permanent (T&P) Disability
T&P benefits are designed for NFL players who have disabilities from playing that prevent them from working after leaving football. T&P payments are made on a monthly basis and can be paid for the rest of the player’s life.
Monthly T&P payments start at $5,000 but can exceed $20,000 for active players. To qualify for T&P benefits, former players must be vested, meaning they have earned at least three credited seasons.
Line-of-Duty (LOD) Disability Benefits
LOD benefits are for players who suffer substantial disabling injuries as a result of NFL activity. LOD benefits can be provided regardless of your ability to work, but you must prove your injury was from playing in the NFL. LOD benefits can be paid for a maximum of 90 months.
The minimum monthly LOD benefit is $4,500. To qualify for LOD benefits, you must score at least 9 points on the league’s orthopedic impairment assessment.
Neurocognitive Disability Benefits
Neurocognitive disability benefits are for players who have mental impairments that hinder their ability to navigate day-to-day tasks. Players can receive these benefits for up to 180 months and don’t have to prove an inability to work.
Neurocognitive benefit amounts are set by the current plan terms and vary based on severity classification. However, you cannot receive neurocognitive disability benefits if you’re already receiving T&P benefits from the league.
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How to File an NFL Players Disability Claim
Below is a quick guide on filing a disability claim with the league. You can talk to an NFL players long-term disability lawyer in Virginia for more guidance on applications and appealing denials.
To file a long-term disability claim, you should:
- Consult with a lawyer. The first thing you should do is talk to a lawyer with experience in NFL disability claims. They can tell you about disability benefits programs and determine your eligibility.
- Gather your medical records. You need extensive and exhaustive medical evidence to prove your claim. Specifically, you need records of an injury diagnosis and treatment plan, as well as details on your ability to work and functional limitations.
- Apply online. You can apply for disability benefits online at your NFL Player Benefits portal.
- Attend an evaluation. Once you submit your application, you’ll be scheduled to receive an independent medical evaluation to assess your condition.
- Appeal denials. If you receive a denial, you have 180 days to request an appeal to reconsider the decision.
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Contact a Virginia NFL Players Long-Term Disability Lawyer
NFL players may face a long road to recovery and may never fully regain their functioning. You sacrificed your health and well-being for the league, so it’s only right that you are fairly compensated for your losses. BenGlassLaw can be your advocate and help pursue justice on your behalf.
Contact a Virginia long-term disability lawyer today to schedule a free case consultation. We’ll work hard to secure the benefits you worked for your entire life.
Call (703) 591-9829 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form